Durham Jazz: Inspiring Durham’s next generation of jazz musicians.

Our History

The Durham Jazz (DJ) Organization was founded in 2009. Originally DJ only offered a 16 piece jazz ensemble at the elementary age group. In our inaugural year we focused on participating in community events and local band festivals. As our members grew we kept getting requests to create another band. As the need to expand was clear in order to meet our member’s needs, in 2013 we added our Intermediate Band. This was the first opportunity for high school students to audition for DJ. 2015, brought the addition of the Senior band as well as a Jazz Combo. In 2016, DJ added a Vocal Jazz ensemble for the first time. Exciting things lie ahead for Durham Jazz.

Over the years, DJ has travelled all over Canada and the United States playing in festivals and music tours. In the past we have travelled to Vancouver, BC (2011), Banff, AB (2012), Halifax, NS & Ottawa, ON (2013), Banff, AB (2014), New York City, NY (2015), Denver/Boulder, CO (2016), Montreal/Ottawa, QC/ON (2017), Banff (2018), & Barcelona & Valencia, Spain (2019). An exciting trip is in the works for spring of 2020 to celebrate our 11th year.

DJ continues to support its members in their future goals in music after they leave our organization and have alumni all over North America studying music both post secondary and at the Masters level, as well as seeking out many performing opportunities in their communities.